NCEAS is Recruiting for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a SNAPP project for managing soil organic matter for environmental and human wellbeing outcomes.

Recruitment Period

Open date: December 9th, 2016

Next review date: January 31st, 2017
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: May 31st, 2017
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but
those received after the review date will only be considered if the
position has not yet been filled.

Description

NCEAS seeks candidates for a Postdoctoral
Scholar position as part of a recently funded SNAPP working group
project aimed at developing quantitative targets to manage soil organic
matter for environmental and human outcomes. The Science for Nature and
People Partnership (SNAPP) is a collaboration between The Nature
Conservancy (TNC), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) to create a
fundamentally different way to identify and tackle large-scale
challenges that threaten the integrity of nature and human wellbeing.

The post-doctoral researcher will be integrally involved in: 1)
analysis to determine “hot spots” of potential to build up soil organic
matter in California rangelands and Midwestern row crop agriculture; 2)
an empirical literature review to predictively quantify environmental
and human benefits of soil organic matter for two Nature Conservancy
programs—California rangelands and the Soil Health Partnership, a
collaboration between the Conservancy and the National Corn Growers
Association to promoted sustainable soil management practices in the
Midwest; 3) working with TNC staff and other practitioners to develop
specific strategies to manage soil for environmental and human outcomes
in California and through the Soil Health Partnership; and 4)
participation in the SNAPP working group meetings.

The successful candidate will work with workshop PI Stephen Wood and
participant Mark Bradford, both at the Yale School of Forestry &
Environmental Studies. The SNAPP working group is comprised of global
leaders in soil science, rangeland management, agriculture, and
economics from academia, government, and NGOs, offering a unique
opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a diverse set of thought
leaders. More information on the working group can be found here: http://ift.tt/2hgSyPj.

RESIDENCY AT NCEAS:
NCEAS (nceas.ucsb.edu) is a unique research center at the University of
California, Santa Barbara and is located in scenic downtown Santa
Barbara. The Center is known for fostering collaboration and data driven
analysis. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs,
resident scientists, and analysts, and frequent influx of leading
scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in
working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. Postdocs
contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the
intellectual atmosphere of the Center.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum
• PhD in soil ecology, ecosystem ecology, soil science, biogeochemistry, or related discipline
Additional
• Strong experience with applied issues related to soil in agriculture, rangelands, and conservation
• Strong interdisciplinary experience with fields relevant to soil conservation, especially economics
• Strong analytical skills, including expertise in R and some familiarity with spatial analysis
• Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Ability to design, manage, and help lead workshops to bring disparate groups to consensus
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
Preferred
• Strong publication record
• Experience working with groups outside of academia (government, NGOs, etc.)

TERM OF APPOINTMENT:
One year with the possibility of reappointment.

SALARY RANGE:
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Full benefits package included

Primary consideration given to completed applications submitted by January 31, 2017. Otherwise, open until filled

Required Documents to Apply:
• Curriculum Vitae
• A one-page statement of professional interests and expertise
• Contact information for three references

The department is especially interested in candidates who can
contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community
through research, teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status,
protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA

Requirements

Documents

Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter – A one-page statement of professional interests and expertise